The Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation has partnered with E-Z-GO, an operating division of Textron Inc., to produce handicap-accessible golf cars designed for children and adults with physical disabilities. Utilizing technology developed by engineering students at Georgia Tech and made possible by a CSF grant, these vehicles will allow children with paralysis to easily maneuver a golf course in comfort with plenty of room to swing a club.

E-Z-GO golf cars are designed and manufactured by Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., a Textron Inc. company. CSF’s work to help create the golf car was borne from its work with the family of legendary golfer Bobby Jones, who struggled with mobility issues due to syringomyelia.

“I’m so thankful to Georgia Tech, E-Z-GO and the Jones family for partnering with us on this project to improve the lives of children, and to give them the opportunity to enjoy the sport of golf with their friends and family,” said Dorothy Poppe, CSF Executive Director.

The new golf car will make a difference for children like Gabby DiSalvo, whose ability to play golf with her twin brother was made difficult after she was bound to a wheelchair by myofibrillar myopathy. The first accessible golf car built will benefit Gabby, her family and the Staten Island community, with CSF covering half the cost of the vehicle.

“We are so excited about this car, and I know that Gabby is looking forward to playing golf with her brother,” said Debbie Mastromarino, president of Making the Turn Golf Academy.